New Ultra Compact F62 (modelfkeyboards)
Posted: 20 Sep 2022, 03:12
As my first post on DT, just wanted to share a photo of my new Ultra Compact F62 with the SCUMNC layout.
I'm pretty new to this site but I haven't found any photos of the Ultra Compact Model F keyboards on this site nor on YouTube so I figured this might be of use to others who are looking for some more photos of this case style beyond what you see on the modelfkeyboards website.
Also, for anyone considering buying one of these and wondering about the experience...here is my perspective....
TL:DR....had some predictable problems but after following the manual and YouTube videos everything is working great.
Before receiving the kb I'd read the online manual and watched Ellipse's YouTube videos showing how to adjust springs and install keycaps etc so I was prepared to have a few malfunctioning keys. I followed his instructions to re-seat the springs and, with a bit of practice, the process worked fine. Even so, I was surprised at how precisely the springs have to be aligned - with the end located exactly between the 12:00 - 1:00 position - for the keys to register properly.
The other issue I experienced was the error message "AtLibUsbDfu.dll not found” when trying to flash the firmware using the Atmel Flip software but that too was already documented in the online manual. So, that was great to see.
Despite the kb having the SCUMNC switch layout, it came with the standard firmware which doesn't match the intended layout which has the FN key to the left of the shorter spacebar and the arrow keys on the bottom right so I definitely needed to flash the firmware with a new key layout. My other two keyboards are the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard and the Dygma Raise, both 60% boards, and they both have a FN or Mod key where the left thumb sits to provide easy access to the 2nd layer where I have the arrow keys on the home row and Delete as the 2nd function of the Backspace key (among other things). So, having the FN key to the left of the spacebar was an important option for me.
After figuring out the Atmel Flip error, setting up the key layout using QMK and flashing the firmware was pretty straightforward and following Ellipse's YouTube video instructions was very helpful.
Beyond that, I did the Floss Mod to eliminate spring ping and, in an effort to reduce sandpapery friction, I also lubed the top of the spring and the keycap stems, where there is contact with the barrels & spring, using Glorious G-Lube...which is a bit less viscous (and way less expensive) than Krytox 205-g0. The effect of the lube is subtle but noticeable and, I think, worth the effort. I also installed the stabilizers on the 2U and wider keys and lubed the spacebar stabilizer wire where it contacts the clips and I tightened the clips a bit to reduce wobble on the spacebar.
In any case...the effort required for doing all the above is still a lot less than the effort required just to lube a regular set of MX-style switches so...can't complain.
The sound and feel of this keyboard is very unique but satisfying. It's definitely my loudest board and the switches are a bit heavier than I'm used to (I like 45gf springs) but it's very crisp. Also, the spacebar itself feels and sounds great which I wasn't expecting from the videos I watched.
Aside from that, I bought 2 complete sets of keycaps (Korean modern, and Dark Grey) and a set of Blue modifiers so I could mix and match them to provide a bit of variety over the long number of years I expect to have this kb.
Overall...I'm very happy with this board and I salute Ellipse for all of his hard work and dedication to this project and also for his amazing speed in responding to my email inquiries.
I'm pretty new to this site but I haven't found any photos of the Ultra Compact Model F keyboards on this site nor on YouTube so I figured this might be of use to others who are looking for some more photos of this case style beyond what you see on the modelfkeyboards website.
Also, for anyone considering buying one of these and wondering about the experience...here is my perspective....
TL:DR....had some predictable problems but after following the manual and YouTube videos everything is working great.
Before receiving the kb I'd read the online manual and watched Ellipse's YouTube videos showing how to adjust springs and install keycaps etc so I was prepared to have a few malfunctioning keys. I followed his instructions to re-seat the springs and, with a bit of practice, the process worked fine. Even so, I was surprised at how precisely the springs have to be aligned - with the end located exactly between the 12:00 - 1:00 position - for the keys to register properly.
The other issue I experienced was the error message "AtLibUsbDfu.dll not found” when trying to flash the firmware using the Atmel Flip software but that too was already documented in the online manual. So, that was great to see.
Despite the kb having the SCUMNC switch layout, it came with the standard firmware which doesn't match the intended layout which has the FN key to the left of the shorter spacebar and the arrow keys on the bottom right so I definitely needed to flash the firmware with a new key layout. My other two keyboards are the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard and the Dygma Raise, both 60% boards, and they both have a FN or Mod key where the left thumb sits to provide easy access to the 2nd layer where I have the arrow keys on the home row and Delete as the 2nd function of the Backspace key (among other things). So, having the FN key to the left of the spacebar was an important option for me.
After figuring out the Atmel Flip error, setting up the key layout using QMK and flashing the firmware was pretty straightforward and following Ellipse's YouTube video instructions was very helpful.
Beyond that, I did the Floss Mod to eliminate spring ping and, in an effort to reduce sandpapery friction, I also lubed the top of the spring and the keycap stems, where there is contact with the barrels & spring, using Glorious G-Lube...which is a bit less viscous (and way less expensive) than Krytox 205-g0. The effect of the lube is subtle but noticeable and, I think, worth the effort. I also installed the stabilizers on the 2U and wider keys and lubed the spacebar stabilizer wire where it contacts the clips and I tightened the clips a bit to reduce wobble on the spacebar.
In any case...the effort required for doing all the above is still a lot less than the effort required just to lube a regular set of MX-style switches so...can't complain.
The sound and feel of this keyboard is very unique but satisfying. It's definitely my loudest board and the switches are a bit heavier than I'm used to (I like 45gf springs) but it's very crisp. Also, the spacebar itself feels and sounds great which I wasn't expecting from the videos I watched.
Aside from that, I bought 2 complete sets of keycaps (Korean modern, and Dark Grey) and a set of Blue modifiers so I could mix and match them to provide a bit of variety over the long number of years I expect to have this kb.
Overall...I'm very happy with this board and I salute Ellipse for all of his hard work and dedication to this project and also for his amazing speed in responding to my email inquiries.